The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Obsessions in all of their dangerous forms are at work in Silverman’s novel.

An enigmatic admirer gave Ginger Brossard two mysterious and expensive gifts: an extravagant crystal glass set with two beautiful rubies and a similar crystal cube with a white rose inside. Both gifts came without warning or any indication about whom the giver might be. But Ginger has more to worry about than these crystals. After a failed marriage and a failed Hollywood career, Ginger moves to Philadelphia to chase her dream of performing onstage. As Ginger makes a life for herself in the city, she meets a fellow actor, Grady, who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. But she also meets the handsome and charming Winston, who just may steal her heart. Silverman creates a palpable sense of Philadelphia; the city comes alive through real details and descriptions. The well-plotted novel moves at a speed that continually builds tension. Not only must Ginger fend off Grady, who becomes more violent and obsessive, and contend with Winston’s strange family, who have their own dark secrets, but she must puzzle out the mystery of the two crystal cubes. The various plotlines build to a crescendo. Some of the characters, however, feel a bit stock. Grady plays the role of villain almost too well, while the many minor characters come and go with little purpose. Even Ginger has little agency; things happen to her, she reacts, and then she remains essentially unchanged. Like all good mysteries that hinge on a surprising twist, the person behind the crystal cubes is shocking, as is that person's reason for giving them to Ginger.

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